The Center German Jewish Club, Inc., with headquarters at 210 West Ninety-first street, was host the other night to one John Bennett, who said he is Eric Kaestner, poet and essayist.
The reason for the pseudonym, according to Mr. Bennett’s proclaimed testimony, is that he is a German refugee, the victim of Nazi persecution. “For obvious reasons” was the answer he gave to a query as to why he calls himself Bennett, although no one questioned his true identity.
Mr. Bennett read from “his” book of poetry and was rewarded with much applause. The club was flattered, the men were respectful, the women worshipful. Of late Bennett has been the guest of a number of other German organizations and guest of honor at testimonial dinners. He spoke freely on political questions, but assailed all the Jewish bodies for their “weak-kneed” attitude in the fight against Nazism. The audience was enthused by “Eric Kaestner” the poet, but disillusioned by “Eric Kaestner’s” political dissertations.
John Bennett is still at large but one of the Center Club members who happened to be a close personal friend to the real poet, could hardly believe his eyes when he was told that Bennett was Kaestner. The poet is spare, short and has a heavy crop of hair. Bennett is heavy, round and bald and many inches taller than Kaestner.
“Kaestner’s” receptions will probably come to a sudden halt.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
